Israeli officials have criticized US President Joe Biden for pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the hostage deal, while not targeting Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. They argue that Sinwar, who orchestrated the October 7 attack, should face more scrutiny. Senior Israeli sources find it unusual that Biden is pressing Netanyahu, who has already agreed to American proposals, rather than focusing on Sinwar, who continues to reject negotiations.
President Biden stated on Monday that Netanyahu was not doing enough to secure a deal for the hostages taken by Hamas, but noted that an agreement is “very close.” His comments came as he arrived at the White House for a meeting with US negotiators. The discussion on the potential hostage release and ceasefire deal follows the recent recovery of six hostages’ bodies by the Israel Defense Forces, including one American citizen.
Biden also indicated that a final proposal for the hostage deal could be presented by the end of the week.
Prior to a national security meeting with U.S. negotiators, President Biden criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not doing enough to secure a hostage deal.
